What we learned from the Spurs loss to the Pelicans
Today at 11:24 AM
It's time to commit to the tank.
Kenny Rodgers got a lot right about life. Sometimes, you gotta know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em. The time for the San Antonio Spurs to toss their cards back to the dealer is now. The hand they've been dealt isn't winning them the big pot this game.
Somewhere between Karlo Matkovic's dunks, I thought, why are we doing this? The Spurs' 114-96 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans featured some high-highs in the first half and some very low-lows in the second. After they went ice cold, they didn't have the depth, shooting, or size to compete with the more physical Pels. As De'Aaron Fox missed contested mid-range jumpers I thought – it's time to throw in the towel.
Tanking for the third straight season sucks, but it's the best way through the mess that is the 2024-25 season. It's been a horrible year for San Antonio that has included two serious health issues to the city's most beloved basketball figures. I know it's only February, but the last two games feel like the final chapter of this season. It's time to fully embrace playing for lottery ping pong balls.
That means letting Fox get that finger surgery early. First and foremost, the relationship between Fox and the Spurs' brass should be prioritized, but if he's open to it, he should probably be shut down. San Antonio should put the ball in their youngsters' hands and let the cards fall where they may. Maybe Stephon Castle will improve as a primary initiator, or Devin Vassell will regain some scoring confidence. It's better than spinning your wheels and still going nowhere.
The last third of the season will be frustrating, no matter what. But maybe you get moments like the first half of the Pelicans game when the Spurs are running and gunning, and a young guy like Julian Champagnie gets hot and shows promise as a knockdown shooter. It won't be pretty, but at least it will be moving toward a goal.
Takeaways:
- The Spurs were led in scoring by Champagnie, who could not miss in the first half. He had 18 points, converting on 6 of 11 three-pointers. His shooting has been up and down this season, but when he's on, he adds a lot to the team. He's got size, athleticism, and defensive aptitude. If he could just find offensive consistency, he'd be a long-term piece.
- In just his third game as the starting center, Bismack Biyombo logged a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Biyombo has filled in well as the de-facto starting big (yes, I acknowledge he got cooked by Matkovic). I think a big like Biyombo would be a good fit for the Spurs' long-term backup center position. Biyombo is too past his prime to fit the role, but an athletic rim-running big with a high motor would be a welcomed addition to the non-Wemby minutes.
- Keldon Johnson has been playing some of his best ball of the season lately. He's being aggressive in getting to the basket and knocking down open threes. He added 18 points off the bench on Sunday. He's certainly a player with something to gain in the last third of the season.
- Vassell has struggled with his jumper recently. After the game, Mitch Johnson said he needs to "not care so much." Translation – he's in his head. It makes sense. His role has changed a lot in the last two seasons. He's not making shots and it's easy to get down on yourself. Perhaps Johnson's comments will get Vassell to calm down a bit and just hoop. We've seen him jump out of slumps before. One good game is all he may need to do it.
